Product Name: Gadolinium
Cas No.: 7440-54-2
MF: Gd
MW: 157.25
Appearance: Metal foil, chunks or powder.
Description:
Gadolinium has no large-scale applications but has a variety of specialized uses.
Gadolinium has the highest neutron cross-section among any stable nuclides: 61,000 barns for 155Gd and 259,000 barns for 157Gd. 157Gd has been used to target tumors in neutron therapy. This element is very effective for use with neutron radiography and in shielding of nuclear reactors. It is used as a secondary, emergency shut-down measure in some nuclear reactors, particularly of the CANDU type. Gadolinium is also used in nuclear marine propulsion systems as a burnable poison.